Cantabria comes to Madrid's Barrio de Salamanca at this elegant two-floor townhouse, opened in 2015 by chef Paco Quiros of Santander's Canadio. Expect northern Spanish classics with contemporary polish: Santander-style fried squid, creamy clam rice, and the celebrated Canadio cheesecake.
Address: C. de Jorge Juan, 8, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid, Spain
A warm, family-friendly neighbourhood restaurant beside Parque de Berlin, serving traditional Spanish home cooking in famously generous raciones. Fresh fish, fried specialities and grilled meats, served in a spacious dining room, a busy tapas bar or the large heated terrace.
Address: Calle del Príncipe de Vergara, 210, Chamartín, 28002 Madrid, Spain
Glamour on the Castellana: Tatel pairs traditional Spanish recipes reworked with a modern touch with live music every night of the year. The Art Deco-inspired room places its stage so every table sees the singers, saxophonists and dancers. A see-and-be-seen spot for a dinner that runs late.
Address: P.º de la Castellana, 36, Salamanca, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Founded in 2004 by Sandro Silva and Marta Seco, El Paraguas is the original restaurant of Madrid's Grupo Paraguas and a Barrio de Salamanca institution. The kitchen draws on Asturian tradition with creative, market-driven cooking in a bright, sophisticated space of understated elegance.
Address: C. de Jorge Juan, 16, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid, Spain
Opened in 2011 by Marta Seco and Sandro Silva as the more casual sibling to El Paraguas, Ten con Ten is a Barrio de Salamanca institution - a buzzy, glamorous spot serving cosmopolitan cooking and well-made cocktails in a soaring, plant-filled space. Open from lunch through to the early hours.
Address: Cl. de Ayala, 6, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid, Spain
A Uruguayan grill in Salesas-Chueca, built around a large open parrilla in full view of the dining room. Start with grilled chorizo, morcilla and vegetables, then choose beef sourced from Uruguay, Argentina, Spain and beyond. Wood-heavy decor evokes a Uruguayan hacienda; 200-plus wines.
Address: C. del Conde de Xiquena, 4, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain
